Barhale and Severn Trent have collaborated to unlock a £2 million saving on the Ravenstone Sewage Treatment Works upgrade through early contractor involvement (ECI).
Photo: Barhale and Severn Trent collaborate to unlock £2m saving on Ravenstone STW upgrade
Following the successful ECI, civil engineering, infrastructure and tunnelling specialist Barhale has been appointed to deliver the main works design and build contract. Rather than constructing new assets, the scheme will refurbish and optimise existing infrastructure.
Severn Trent Water identified the need for an upgrade at Ravenstone after close monitoring of dry weather flows over a six-year period.
The scheme will increase the STW’s hydraulic and treatment capacity while also tightening final effluent standards, including meeting the requirements of a new ammonia permit.
During ECI, Barhale carried out hydraulic assessments to understand how the existing assets could perform. This work showed that key structures could be retained, removing the need for additional construction and reducing mechanical complexity without affecting performance.
Alongside refurbishment of existing assets, the works include installation of new storm, sludge and SAF (Submerged Aerated Filter) tanks, package pumping stations and associated pipework. New manholes, ducting and MEICA systems will also be installed, including motor control centres and kiosks.
Sean McCormick, Contracts Manager at Barhale, said the upgrade will meet both the capacity demands of new housing and tighter environmental regulation.
“New housing developments, including the 105 homes at Wash Lane, increase demand on existing wastewater infrastructure,” he said. “This upgrade will ensure the site can meet that demand to 2050 while complying with tighter environmental standards under the AMP8 WINEP programme.
“The successful ECI work allowed us to make better use of capacity within the existing assets to reduce cost and accelerate programme delivery.”
Work is due to start on site in September 2026 with completion in Autumn 2027.
Picture caption: Barhale and Severn Trent have collaborated to unlock a £2M saving on the Ravenstone Sewage Treatment Works upgrade.